Kraken alternatives
- Our rating
- 4.7
- Alternatives
- 4
- Review updated
- 2026-08-23
Our Kraken review names 4 alternatives: Coinbase, Bitstamp, Gemini and Bitvavo. Coinbase overlaps most, ranking alongside Kraken in 62 of the 127 countries we rank Kraken in. Rankings are editorial and never sold.
4 alternatives, compared
In the order our review lists them. "In common" counts the countries where both the alternative and Kraken rank in our guides.
| Exchange | Rating | Fees | ID check | Countries | In common |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | 4.5 | Maker-taker on Advanced Trade | Required | 62 | 62 |
| Bitstamp | 4.3 | Maker-taker, falls with volume | Required | 31 | 31 |
| Gemini | 4.4 | 0.5% + flat fee on easy buys | Required | 1 | 1 |
| Bitvavo | 4.5 | 0.15% maker at the base tier | Required | 27 | 27 |
Why each one
Coinbase The easiest US on-ramp for beginners, publicly listed, and legally in the clear since the SEC dropped its case.
Bitstamp One of the oldest bitcoin exchanges, now owned by Robinhood and powering its UK and institutional crypto rails.
Gemini The NYDFS-chartered trust company the Winklevoss twins founded, serving all 50 states including New York, listed on Nasdaq since 2025.
Bitvavo The largest euro spot exchange in the world, licensed under MiCA by the Dutch regulator, with free euro and iDEAL deposits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Kraken?
Our review lists Coinbase first, rated 4.5: The easiest US on-ramp for beginners, publicly listed, and legally in the clear since the SEC dropped its case. It ranks in 62 of our country guides, 62 of them shared with Kraken. The order is editorial, argued from fees, security record and local payment support.
Which Kraken alternative is available in the most countries?
Coinbase, which ranks in 62 of our country guides. Bitstamp ranks in 31, Gemini ranks in 1, Bitvavo ranks in 27.
Which alternative overlaps most with Kraken?
Coinbase: it ranks alongside Kraken in 62 of the 127 countries we rank Kraken in, so a reader in most of those markets can compare the two on the same page.
Why look for an alternative to Kraken?
The review's own reservations: the simple Buy widget and card purchases cost far more than Kraken Pro rates, and beginners land there by default; not available to residents of New York or Maine, and Texas residents cannot fund by ACH.